If I get my CDL Permit, are there companies out there that will hire me to go OTR?

It's not that easy anymore. Start reading.

380.501 - 380.513 Subpart E - Entry-level driver training requirements

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrguidedetails.aspx?menukey=380

 

This law refers to LCV's only!

There are no DOT standards or requirements for the training of CDL drivers only testing. You can walk into the DMV in your hometown and pick up the study manual, study the manual, pay the fees, and take the test. You will however need a truck to do the road test in and that's it.

Most companies that hire student drivers have a standard which is normally 350 hours from an accredited school. Every company is different so call around to a few companies you are interested in and see how many hours they require.

Why the short course vs. the long course:

Some students already have their class B and have been driving for sometime.
Some students are laid off or unemployed and need to receive min. required hours to find a job and return to the work force.
Some students have jobs and take the longer course to work it into their schedule
Some students want the full training and practice to have more jobs available to them and feel comfortable with the skills

Company sponsored training vs. non-company sponsored training

Their are far to many reasons to explain here why company sponsored/paid training is a very bad idea, if you really want to know there are a lot threads on this web site alone explaining the down falls and horror stories driver have been thru fulfilling those contracts.

So I will explain some of the benefits of attending a non-company sponsored schooling path.

1. Most accredited schools have FASFA and other financing options. Some state labor agencies even have free money.
2. Most schools offer lifetime job placement and normally know who is hiring locally before it is even advertised.
3. Most schools will have you pre-hired before you even finish schooling
4. If you attend a non-company sponsored training you receive all of the tax credits and deductions and NOT the company. Like tuition, books, maps, clothes, pens & pencils, notebooks, cost of a laptop/computer, cost of a printer, ink, paper, cost of the medical exam, permitting fees, meals, travel expenses, etc..
5. Normally you will start with a higher CPM rate than drivers coming out of their own school.
6. Most companies have tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 which is paid directly to you weekly or monthly with no contract.
7. You can leave the company anytime you want cause you owe them ZERO!
8. When you are in school you may find you like hauling something different than what you thought or you may receive better job offers. You are not locked into one company for the next 12-15 months so you can do whatever you want.

 

§ 380.501Applicability.

All entry-level drivers who drive in interstate commerce and are subject to the CDL requirements of part 383 of this chapter must comply with the rules of this subpart, except drivers who are subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Transit Administration or who are otherwise exempt under §390.3(f) of this subchapter.

 

Only company I know but it's local is Con-Way Freight, and I believe ABF. ABF is incredibly hard to get into though

 

............

 

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=380.105
Note it says 2 or more trailers with a GVW greater than 80,000 lbs.

 

That's for Subpart A.

Go to Subpart E, that has no distinction for LCV or number of trailers.

According to the JJKeller Fleet Safety Manual, this was published on May 21, 2004 and applies to ALL entry-level drivers and their employers. An entry-level driver is defined as any driver with less than one-year of experience operating a CMV in interstate commerce. The rule went into effect for drivers after July 20, 2003.

If you notice the title of Part 380 it is Special Training Requirements. All subparts have LCV in their titles or description except Subpart E.

 

Oh , the 2004 regulations . We remember that .

http://www.landlinemag.com/Magazine/2006/Feb/News/28fedupcourtorders.aspx
FMCSA is still at the drawing board